Back to EveryPatent.com
United States Patent |
5,060,986
|
Carter
|
October 29, 1991
|
Sleeve adapter
Abstract
A sleeve adapter (S) for locating a throughpipe (24) in a structural member
(18). The sleeve adapter (S) comprises an annular apertured hub (2) having
a central axis .alpha., a first annular surface (4) adjacent a first face
of the hub (2) sloping inwardly toward the axis, a second annular surface
(8) adjacent a second face of the hub (2), and a third annular surface
(12) intermediate the first (4) and second (8) surfaces of a smaller
diameter than the second annular surface (8). The adapter (S) also
comprises a mechanical joint gasket (6) engaging the first annular surface
(4) which locates a throughpipe (24) concentric with the central axis, a
push-on gasket (10) engaging the second annular surface (8) which locates
a sleeve pipe (14) concentric with the central axis, and a pressure device
for urging the mechanical joint gasket (6) against the first annular
surface (4) and the throughpipe (24). The sleeve adapter (S) optionally
comprises a circumferential flange (16) adjacent the second face of the
hub (2) which prevents liquid from seeping through the structural member
(18).
Inventors:
|
Carter; William (Marshfield, MA)
|
Assignee:
|
Water Works Supply Corporation (Malden, MA)
|
Appl. No.:
|
502049 |
Filed:
|
March 30, 1990 |
Current U.S. Class: |
285/136.1; 52/220.8; 285/148.23; 285/192; 285/231; 285/337 |
Intern'l Class: |
F16L 007/00 |
Field of Search: |
285/158,337,230,150,288,177,56,231,192
52/220
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
952602 | Mar., 1910 | Candee | 285/56.
|
1149269 | Aug., 1915 | Klindt | 285/56.
|
4019760 | Apr., 1977 | Streit | 285/158.
|
4071265 | Jan., 1978 | Wallace | 285/158.
|
4071267 | Jan., 1978 | Davis.
| |
4076281 | Feb., 1978 | Davis.
| |
4252348 | Feb., 1981 | Kojima | 285/158.
|
4394025 | Jun., 1983 | Anderson | 285/230.
|
4648631 | Mar., 1987 | Bryant | 285/337.
|
4669759 | Jun., 1987 | Harbeke | 285/158.
|
4694513 | Sep., 1987 | Kiziah | 285/158.
|
4909519 | Mar., 1990 | Anderson | 285/230.
|
4918761 | Aug., 1990 | Harbeke | 52/220.
|
4966494 | Oct., 1990 | Inagaski et al. | 285/230.
|
Other References
Thunderline Corporation brochure, "Link-Seal Pipe to Wall Penetration
Seals", (1985).
Thunderline Corporation, "Link-Seal Wall Sleeves".
Thunderline Corporation, "Century-Line Sleeves" (1985).
|
Primary Examiner: Arola; Dave W.
Assistant Examiner: Bordas; Carol I.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/281,101,
filed Dec. 7, 1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,457.
Claims
I claim:
1. A unitary, one piece, annular apertured hub for a sleeve adapter, the
hub having a central axis and a first annular surface adjacent a first
face of the hub sloping inwardly toward the axis for receiving a
mechanical joint gasket;
a second annular surface adjacent a second face of the hub sloping
outwardly away from the central axis for receiving a push-on gasket;
the second annular surface having a diameter greater than the first annular
surface;
a third annular surface intermediate the first and second annular surfaces
and having a diameter smaller than the second annular surface for engaging
the end of a sleeve pipe;
the third annular surface having a diameter larger than the first annular
surface such that the sleeve pipe may be spaced further from the axis in a
radial direction than the mechanical joint gasket; and
a circumferential flange extending outwardly from the second face and
integral with the hub, the circumference of the flange being larger than
every other configuration formed on the one-piece hub, including annuli
which increase the surface area of the circumferential flange.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sleeve adapter for use with pipes which
carry gas, water or other fluids through structural members such as poured
walls, floors, or ceilings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cast iron, ductile iron, copper, plastic (e.g. pvc), and steel pipes in all
sizes are commonly employed in systems handling water, gas and other
fluids at varying pressures. A difficult task in the construction industry
is the passing of these pipes through a structural member such as a poured
wall or floor (for example concrete) which are found in sewage or water
treatment plants, and the like. Such concrete walls or floors vary in
thickness and require many pipe penetrations. A wall penetration is any
device which is fitted in a wall or floor to accept a pipe or conduit.
Presently, three commonly employed means, called wall penetrations, for
passing a pipe through a concrete wall or floor include: wall castings
(which are monolithically cast), wall pipes (which are fabricated), and
wall sleeves. Positioning these wall penetrations and keeping them in
position prior to and during the pouring of a wall is a difficult and
important task. Wall castings or wall pipes are capable of being
positioned prior to the pouring of a wall since they can be attached
directly to concrete formwork. After the concrete wall has been poured and
set, the concrete form work is removed, and continuing piping is attached
to one or both sides of the wall casting or wall pipe.
A disadvantage of wall castings or wall pipes is that it is difficult to
position them in such a way that they are normal to the wall. Continuing
pipe is attached to both sides of the wall casting or wall pipe so if the
wall penetration is not normal to the wall, problems are encountered due
to the angles of departure of the continuing pipes from either side of the
wall casting or wall pipe, i.e., they are not square with or normal to the
wall.
A wall sleeve may also be placed in the formwork of a concrete wall prior
to the pouring of the wall; however, a wall sleeve differs from a wall
casting in that the carrying pipe passes through the wall sleeve
coaxially. A disadvantage of a wall sleeve is that there is no stable
means for the positioning wall sleeve on the concrete formwork prior to
pouring the wall. An advantage, however, of the wall sleeve (over a wall
pipe or wall casting) is that the problems discussed above with respect to
the continuing pipe are eliminated since the carrying pipe passes
coaxially through the wall sleeve. A wall sleeve has the flexibility to
straighten out or realign the throughpipe.
There are three common types of joints or connections commonly employed
with wall penetrations and these are: mechanical joint, push-on joint and
flanged. The mechanical and push-on joints are not restrained connections
and are generally used for underground pipes where at least some
flexibility is required due to the earth's movement or the building
settling. The flanged joint is a restrained joint which can be used when
flexibility is not a requirement of the joint.
The mechanical joint consists of a bell, a mating pipe, a sealing gasket, a
follower gland with bolt holes, bolts and nuts. The bell is provided with
an exterior flange having bolt holes and a socket having annular recesses
for the sealing gasket and the plain end of the pipe. The bell can be cast
as an integral part of the pipe or connecting piece or may be cast as an
integral part of the wall casting. The bell end of the pipe slips over the
plain end of a mating pipe section. Thus, the connection is formed when
the plain end of the pipe is actually inserted into the bell end of the
pipe provided with the gasket. This type of connection is commonly
referred to as a "stuffing box" connection. After insertion of the plain
end of the pipe, gasket compression is achieved externally between the
pipe bell and the mating pipe barrel with a mechanical joint gland. The
mechanical joint is designed for pipes and fittings ranging from two to
fifty-four inches.
The second type of connection is the push-on joint. The push-on joint is a
single gasket joint wherein the pipe or fitting is forced into a bell
containing a continuous, molded, annular gasket. The gasket is contained
and forms a seal with the entering pipe or fitting. The difference between
the push-on joint and the mechanical joint is that the gasket in a push-on
joint is compressed as the beveled plain end of the mating pipe is
inserted.
The third type of connection is flanged. A flanged connection is annular
with studs or bolts attached thereto which allows a similarly flanged
continuing pipe or fitting to be bolted to it. This type of fitting has
virtually no flexibility and is mostly used inside plants, pumping
stations or other structures.
There are several wall castings or wall sleeves which use the above
described joints or connections. Wallace, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,265
issued Jan. 31, 1978, describes a threaded mechanical joint wall sleeve.
The mechanical joint wall sleeve of Wallace comprises a cylindrical member
and a pair of flanged end members or adapters. Each end member is adapted
to receive a gasket which provides a seal with the carrying pipe which is
inserted into the wall sleeve. The threaded mechanical joint wall sleeve
of Wallace has to be threaded prior to its use on the field. Thus, pipe
ends which are normally disposed of on the field cannot be used.
Davis, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,267, issued Jan. 31, 1978, describes a
shrouded pipe wall casting for use with split-clamp couplings which is
designed for use in concrete walls. The length of the wall casting is
equal to the wall thickness and the ends are grooved for use with standard
split clamp coupling. In the shrouded pipe wall casting of Davis, a water
stop is integrally cast with the shroud which is welded to the pipe.
Again, the grooved ends of the wall casting of Davis '267 are grooved
prior to its use on the field.
Davis in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,281, issued Feb. 28, 1978, describes a wall
casting which is a threaded mechanical-joint bell fitting for use with
cast iron pipe which passes through concrete walls. The mechanical-joint
bell fitting of Davis is threaded so it can be screwed onto a threaded end
of a carrying pipe section. The fitting comprises an integral bolting
flange around the bell and optionally includes a circumferential water
stop flange. Davis does not teach the attachment of the fitting directly
to the concrete formwork but does teach the use of a support structure
which is bolted to the concrete footings or slab.
Another type of wall penetration commonly employed is a wall sleeve which
is provided with a ring of rubber-links which forms a seal between the
wall sleeve and a carrying pipe which passes therethrough coaxially. The
rubber-links are bolted together to form a seal which is a continuous
circle.
When constructing large buildings such as sewage and water treatment
plants, there have always been problems encountered when pipes pass
through poured walls or floors, such as concrete walls or floors. First, a
pressure differential builds up across a wall which may cause leakage
problems after extended use. Second, the wall castings and wall pipes
presently employed are difficult to obtain and very expensive since these
wall penetrations have to be either monolithically cast or fabricated to a
particular size depending on the thickness of the wall. Third, wall
castings and wall pipes have to lie normal with the wall since continuing
pipe is attached to the wall penetration. This can be a problem since it
is very rare that a wall is poured perfectly even. Fourth, even though a
wall sleeve is more flexible than a wall casting or wall pipe, it is very
difficult to position wall sleeves on the formwork prior to the pouring of
a wall.
Means for penetrating a poured wall or floor is needed which counteracts a
pressure differential across a wall, is easily and inexpensively obtained,
is capable of being positioned on formwork with accuracy without a
tendency towards slippage, and does not have to lie perfectly flush with a
poured wall.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention resides in a sleeve adapter for locating a throughpipe in a
structural member. The sleeve adapter comprises an annular apertured hub
having a central axis. It has a first annular surface adjacent a first
face of the hub sloping inwardly toward the axis, and a second annular
surface adjacent a second face of the hub. There is third annular surface
intermediate the first and second surfaces which has a diameter smaller
than the second annular surface.
The sleeve adapter also includes a mechanical joint gasket engaging the
first annular surface which locates a throughpipe concentric with the
central axis. There is a push-on gasket engaging the second annular
surface which locates a sleeve pipe concentric with the central axis and
pressure means for urging the mechanical joint gasket against the first
annular surface and the throughpipe. The sleeve adapter optionally
comprises a circumferential flange adjacent the second face of the hub
which prevents liquid from seeping through the structural member.
The annular apertured hub is an important component of the sleeve adapter.
The first annular surface of the hub is for receiving and positioning a
mechanical joint gasket, the second annular surface is for receiving and
positioning a push-on gasket, and the third annular surface is for
engaging the end of the sleeve pipe.
The sleeve adapter of this invention has advantages over the wall sleeves
presently employed. The annular apertured hub can be bolted directly to
formwork which prevents dislocation during pouring of a structural member.
This attachment capability also provides a positive means of locating a
position on forms. Labor cost for installation is reduced since additional
pieces are not necessary to support the wall penetration prior to and
during the pouring of a structural member. Further slippage does not
occur. The circumferential flange can be integrally cast with the annular
apertured hub which reduces material and labor costs by eliminating an
extra piece of the adapter system and eliminating the labor of welding a
circumferential flange on the hub. An integrally cast circumferential
flange also overcomes the leakage problems encountered with a welded
circumferental flange. The adapter system enjoys a positive mechanical
joint type seal which is suitable for pressures up to 250 psi.
The sleeve adapter of this invention also has advantages over wall castings
and wall pipes. Pipe ends which are normally disposed of can be used
within the adapter, (i.e. the pipe ends for wall pipes have to be threaded
and therefore cannot be cut on the field like those of the present
invention). The adapter possesses mechanical joint deflection allowance
(i.e. 4.degree. to 5.degree. C., for example) therefore it is much more
flexible than a wall pipe or wall casting can straightening out or
realigning a throughpipe. The throughpipe can be restrained with
mechanical joint retaining glands which are common in the industry so
there is no need to obtain devices which would be more expensive and more
difficult to obtain. Wall castings are monolithically cast to a particular
size and wall pipes have to be fabricated or machined to a particular size
which adds to expense and limits availability. The pieces of the sleeve
adapter system can be cut and sized on the field.
The above and other features of the invention including various novel
details of construction and combinations of parts will now be more
particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and
pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular
sleeve adapter embodying the invention is shown by way of illustration
only and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features
of this invention may be employed in varied and numerous embodiments
without departing from the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front view of the annular apertured hub integrally cast with a
circumferential flange and mounting a mechanical joint gasket made in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line II--II of FIG. 1 of the
sleeve adapter positioned in a structural member.
FIGS. 3(A)-(C) show the assemblage of the sleeve adapter system prior to,
during and after the pouring of a structural member, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 2, a sleeve adapter S will be seen which comprises an
annular apertured hub 2 having a first annular surface 4 adjacent a first
face 5 of the hub. The first annular surface 4 slopes inwardly towards the
central axis o of the hub when measured in a direction away from the face
5 inwardly of the hub 2. This first annular surface 4 is for receiving,
positioning, and ultimately shaping a mechanical joint gasket 6.
The hub 2 also has a second annular surface 8 adjacent a second face 9 of
the hub 2 for receiving a push-on gasket 10. The annular surface 8 also
slopes inwardly toward the axis .alpha. but opposite to the surface 4.
A third annular surface 12 is formed intermediate the first and second
annular surfaces 4,8 and has a diameter smaller than the second annular
surface 8. It is formed essentially normal to the axis .alpha.. It is
engagable with the end of a sleeve pipe 14 to position it lengthwise of
the axis.
The hub 2 is preferably integrally cast with a circumferential flange 16
which serves as a waterstop by preventing liquids from seeping through
voids in the structural member 18. The circumferential flange 16 may or
may not have annuli 20. The annuli 20 provide additional surface area
which aids in sealing the adapter S to the substance of which the
structural member 18 is comprised thereof. When the circumferential flange
16 is integrally cast on the hub 2, the preferred embodiment, there is no
possibility of leakage through weldments.
A pressure means, generally indicated 21 illustrated as a mechanical joint
gland 22, urges the mechanical joint gasket 6 against the first annular
surface 4 to slope it and force it axially inward to forcibly engage a
throughpipe 24. A seal between the mechanical joint gasket 6 and the
throughpipe 24 is thus formed. The mechanical joint gland 22 can be urged
against the gasket 6 by using studs 26 and nuts 28. The elasticity of the
mechanical joint gasket 6 and the clearance 30 between the gland 22 and
the pipe 24 is provided by the mechanical joint gland 22 and allows the
through pipe 24 to be aligned or realigned as for example, from an axis B
which is not normal to the structural member 18 to the desired normal
position wherein the central axis .alpha. is normal to the structural
member.
FIGS. 3(A)-C) demonstrate the assembly process of the sleeve adapter S for
locating a throughpipe 24 in a structural member 18. FIG. 3A shows the
annular apertured hub 2 attached to formwork 32 prior to the pouring of a
structural member 18 (FIG. 3C). The sleeve adapter S is assembled prior to
being attached to the formwork 32. The push-on gasket 10 is received by
the second annular surface 8 of the annular apertured hub 2. One end 1,5
of the sleeve pipe 14 abuts the third annular surface 12 of the annular
apertured hub 2. The studs 26 which extend from the first face 5 of the
hub 2 pass through the formwork 32. The nuts 28 are tightened on the studs
26 urging the first face 5 of the hub against the inner surface 33 of the
formwork thereby providing a positive means for ultimately positioning the
hub 2 in the structural member 18.
FIG. 3B shows the sleeve adapter S assembled and attached to the formwork
32 as it would be assembled during the pouring of a structural member 18
(FIG. 3C). The second end 17 of the sleeve pipe 14 abuts the inner surface
35 of the formwork 36.
FIG. 3C shows sleeve adapter S in the structural member 18 after the
structural member 18 has been poured and set and the formwork 32 has been
removed. At this point, the mechanical joint gasket 6 is received by the
first annular surface 4 of the annular apertured hub 2 and a mechanical
joint gland 22 urges the mechanical joint gasket 6 against the first
annular surface 4. The mechanical joint gland 22 is attached to the
annular apertured hub 2 via the studs 26 which extend from the first face
5 of the hub 2 which pass through bores 42 in the mechanical joint gland
22 and are which is fastened using nuts 28.
The components of the sleeve adapter (i.e. annular apertured hub 2,
pressure means 21, and sleeve pipe 14) can be made of any material capable
of carrying gases, liquids, and slurries. Examples of such materials are
grey iron or ductile iron (the two forms of cast iron) steel, plastic
(i.e., pvc), fiberglass, stainless steel, copper or copper alloys (i.e.,
bronze).
The annular apertured hub 2 may include a circumferential flange 16
adjacent to the second face 9 of the hub 2. This flange 16 can be welded
or integrally cast with the hub, preferably integrally cast. The flange 16
has dual functionality in that it prevents liquid from seeping through the
structural member and aids in sealing the sleeve adapter to the substrate
the structural member. The circumferential flange 16 optionally comprises
annuli 20 which are concentric with the central axis o and serve to
increase the surface area of the circumferential flange 16.
The throughpipe 24 can be any pipe capable of carrying gases, liquids, or
slurries. The structural member 18 can be a wall, floor, or ceiling made
of a substance which is poured as a liquid or slurry and eventually
hardens or sets to form the structural member. Examples of such substances
are concrete, plaster, and cement.
The mechanical joint and push-on gaskets 6,10 used with this invention are
annular and can be made of any appropriate elastomer. Examples of such
elastomers are neoprene and rubber. The elasticity of the gaskets allow
the throughpipe 24 to be pivoted for alignment with the central axis.
The pressure means 21 may be any means capable of urging the mechanical
joint gasket 6 against the hub 2 and throughpipe 24. Examples of such
means 21 are ferrels and glands. The preferred pressure means 21 is a
mechanical joint gland 22 movable towards the hub 2 longitudinally along
the central axis .alpha. which is engagable with the mechanical joint
gasket 6.
Top